Vanessa Dawn Ervin

Vanessa Dawn Ervin, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, peacefully departed this world on July 26, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 4, 1953, in Pulaski, Virginia, Vanessa was a beacon of warmth and kindness throughout her 73 years of life. Vanessa was the cherished daughter of the late William Cate Ervin, Sr. and Katherine Holland Ervin, both of whom she joins in eternal rest. Her compassionate spirit and enduring strength were shaped by the values imparted by her parents, values that she carried with her throughout her life. A proud graduate of Pulaski County High School in 1972, Vanessa furthered her education by earning a degree in Social Work from New River Community College. Her dedication to helping others was evident in her 20-plus years of work with New River Valley Community Services, where she touched countless lives with her empathy and professionalism. Vanessa was a single mother who devoted her life to raising her daughter, Yolanda Ervin Bronston, with unwavering love and support. Her family was the cornerstone of her life, and she took immense pride in her role as a grandmother to Zion Dugan, who brought her endless joy. Vanessa's nurturing spirit extended to her brother, Abdul Kareem Shakur, and her nieces, Anesha Ervin Smoot and Tiawana Ervin, as well as her cousin Reedie Ervin, all of whom she cherished deeply. Her community knew her not just as a dedicated social worker but as a vibrant member of the NRVCS Recovery Center in Pulaski, VA. Vanessa found joy in simple pleasures like shopping and cherished spending time with her Fieldstone Community. Her laughter and warmth brightened the lives of those around her, and her ability to find beauty in every moment was truly remarkable. Vanessa was a beautiful soul, known for her caring and kind nature. She possessed an innate ability to uplift those around her with her smile and encouraging words. Her intelligence and discipline were matched by her unwavering work ethic, qualities that she instilled in those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the staff and members of the New River Valley Recovery Center in Pulaski, VA, the Fieldstone Apartments for Senior Living community in Blacksburg, VA, as well as the dedicated staff at Lewis Gale Neurotrauma unit and Good Samaritan Hospice in Roanoke, VA, for their compassionate care and support. A celebration of Vanessa's life will be held on August 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Spirit of Life Worship Center, located at 239 16th St. NW, Pulaski, VA 24301. Friends and family are invited to gather to honor a life well-lived, a life that leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and compassion. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to organizations that continue Vanessa’s legacy of care and support for the community she loved so dearly. Vanessa Dawn Ervin will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched, a testament to a life of service, love, and unwavering grace.